Uni comes from a sea urchin, and it’s a Japanese delicacy that’s become popular across the world. It can be found in sushi bars and on Chinese restaurant menus, and it’s typically one of the most indulgent dishes available. Before you run to an eatery to try this seafood treat, use this guide to get more informed about it so that you can truly appreciate and savor its taste.

What’s Uni?

Uni is the only edible part of a sea urchin. Although it can be called sea urchin roe, the yellow meat is actually the creature’s reproductive organs. Uni is bright yellow or orange, and there are five of them in an urchin. There are 950 species of sea urchins, and only 18 of them are edible. In North America, green urchins are harvested from the Atlantic, and red ones come from the pacific.

How Is It Harvested?

Uni is special because it’s challenging to acquire. In parts of Korea, sea urchins are procured by female scuba divers. These women train their entire lives, and they can dive up to 50 feet without gear, holding their breath for long periods while withstanding cold ocean waters. Since retrieving this delicacy is challenging, many sea urchins are harvested by diving or drags.

What Does It Taste Like? 

Several factors affect the taste, including the region it’s from, as well as its freshness and gender. Uni has a strong ocean smell and custard consistency. It’s firm, yet creamy. High-quality uni features delicate traces of the ocean and never has a fishy taste. In Japanese and Chinese restaurants, uni is meticulously cleaned to remove the roe and prepared by trained chefs who serve it raw or transform it into foams or mousses.

If you want to try this ocean delicacy for yourself, head to Jolene’s Market in Honolulu, HI. This food hall is a destination for Oahu locals and visitors alike, and it features several Chinese restaurants and eateries. The establishment offers a wide array of unique dishes, such as live uni and lobster grilled cheese. View their menu online, or call (808) 540-1000 to ask about their specials.